My Monday plan involved sitting all the kids down first thing and conquering math. Then we would go on and conquer the entire day on a wave of productivity. As it turned out, not everyone even finished their math. I did end up tackling a list of other things, though. Mainly, making phone calls. I hate making phone calls and scheduling appointments and I procrastinate terribly in that department. But today I scheduled three appointments and had a long overdue talk with a homeschooling advisor about my high-schooler. I’m not sure why I was putting that off. I guess part of it is that there is no quiet time or place to take a phone call in this house. To make one appointment I typically have to apologize or say, “Just a second” to the adult on the other end multiple times. I rarely talk to my friends or family on the phone anymore either. This is just not that time of my life, the talk on the phone time. And that’s okay. But, I’m glad that I faced my phone anxieties today, because the “I really need to make those appointments” anxiety was actually getting stronger than the other. Little John (the goat) will have the long put-off surgery to have his un-descended testicle hunted down and removed next week (you wanted to know that, right?), those who need to see the doctor will, and my hair will receive some needed attention near the end of the month (I think it’s a good sign when you have to wait three weeks to get in with your stylist?)
I also asked Jonny to take some photos of my Tess Shawl, because I am really excited about how it turned out. I started working on it in March of last year, wanting something kind of mindless for working on during school days with my kids. It went weeks at a time without being touched. But then with the recent snow, for some reason I started knitting furiously on it. Near the end I decided to use some leftover bits of yarn to add some stripes. I panicked about the orange a little, but was encouraged to keep it, and now I’m so glad that I did! No, this won’t really match anything, but I don’t care. The stripes made the knitting fun and I like how they look. Alicia Paulson mentioned in her project notes about this shawl the idea of using a button to hold the shawl in the back instead of ties. So, I tried that. I added a buttonhole near the last few rows of knitting, and a button on the other end. Wearing it this way requires the shawl to fit exactly, and I am not sure that it will fit me exactly when I’m not pregnant. Right now it fits kind of funny and is a little too tight in the back. So, I’m hopeful that next year it will be perfect. I’m going to put it away until then because I don’t want to stretch it out. It’s hard though, I really want to wear it, because it stays put! It seems so practical.
Gabe was watching as I went through the photos Jonny took of me wearing the shawl this morning, and he asked what the pictures were for. I told him they were for my blog and my Ravelry page. His reply was, “Then why are you wearing pajamas?” Oh. Oops! Because I’m pregnant. That’s why!
TarynKaeWilson @ WoolyMossRoots says
Your shawl turned out just beautiful! I love that you added the other colors in it.
P.S. I think kids have a sense when moms are distracted on the phone and sometimes take advantage of that time to get into mischief. At least that has been known to happen around here! 🙂
Ravenna says
I love the orange! So glad you decided to keep it. Pajamas? I never would have known. You just looked comfy cozy to me, and that is so important when you are expecting. Beautiful work.
Nathana Clay says
I can relate to phone anxiety. I put off making calls too. I love the idea of a shawl that stays put!
Heather says
Congratulations! I’m not sure if you announced your pregnancy earlier here or not, but I haven’t seen it. What an exciting time for you! I love the shawl as well 🙂 Always such beautiful knits.
Caroline says
Absolutely beautiful!
Donni says
Hi Ginny,
Phone calls are my worst too! I found this so funny because it was so ME! I thought you’d like it also : https://coastalconservatory.com/2015/08/06/how-an-introvert-makes-a-phone-call/
xo Donni
Laurel says
Just so lovely. And you can’t even tell they’re pajamas. 😉
Ana Hahn says
Um, nothing has ever made me want to knit before but THIS does it. It is so beautiful and looks so darn adorable on you. Also, I am the exact same with the phone — every single word, same.
stephinie says
I wouldn’t have guessed you were in pajamas until you told me. However, that is coming from a mom who showered and washed her hair and then put on yoga pants and a soft hoodie for “clothes”. (haha!) I’m working on my first ever shawl….. this makes me excited to get it finished up before the cold weather is gone…. xo~
Martha says
haha i just love you. thank you for all the honesty and real life. you look absolutely beautiful, by the way. i want to knit my first shawl.. i’ve only been knitting for a few months. would you recommend this one or something different??
Cassidy says
I’m so glad I’m not the only pregnant mama to rock pajamas while at home. Everything else is uncomfortable. I’m at that early (9 weeks with number 4) puffy bloated part of pregnancy. Also tired. So very tired. Haha!
Richard says
We never would have known the pants weren’t early maternity pants had you not informed us. The shawl is beautiful as everyone else has stated. Go ahead and wear it now and enjoy the fruits of your labor. If the groundhog is right, you may not have many days to wear it this winter. I obviously missed your cast-on date – I thought you had started it just before the snow hit recently. Nice to know that I’m not the only one that puts things aside for awhile!
Kate says
My husband got me some headphones last year and they have revolutionized my phone life! I can talk to my sisters or adult kids for hours and still get a lot done. I can even knit!
I put that shawl in my Ravelry library and hope to knit it some day when I have enough yarn. Mindless knitting is what keeps me sane during school hours and winter. I like the look and functionality of the shawl, but I was a little put off by the name. Tess was such a tragic character.
Barbara says
The shawl is beautiful and the orange is just the right touch to brighten it up! Good for you to make that call!!!
Linda says
I would have never realized those were pajamas! I wish we could wear pajamas everywhere! The pics are lovely and the shawl is great. I need to try one soon.
Tracey says
Love the shawl and love seeing you wearing it!
Wendy says
Oh phone anxiety :(. I know it well. I try to do as much as possible by email (no one can hear the kids interrupting), but I still have to make a phone call today (that I already put off yesterday)!
thecrazysheeplady says
Wear it now and re-block it later :-).
Donna says
It came out lovely. And it fits just perfect for your place in life right now. I would never have noticed the PJ pants. They just look like relaxing pants!
Cassie says
I love this shawl because it looked like a good ‘work’ shawl but mine came out so small! What did I do wrong? Did you add a lot of rows? Your shawl is beautiful, I love the colors.
Amy says
so refreshing to hear I am not the only one who has phone anxieties. love the shawl… you should open a shop or web store. you knit so fast. I would love to learn. Had a church girl show me but didn’t do very well. It ended in alot of knots… lol. you are so good at this knitting thing.
Yvonne says
I am glad I am not the only one with “phone anxiety”. I have three phone calls I need to make and it’s so silly but my stomach is always in knots about…why I have no clue. I love that shawl. I want one. So pratical.
Leslie F says
I’ve been working from home for several years now and I have to admit, it’s really hard to put on “real clothes” to just sit at my desk all day. (My husband gets very excited when I have an appointment on the “outside” because he knows I’m going to shower AND fix my hair AND put on make-up AND wear something besides yoga pants. I rarely do all of those things on the same day anymore – how sad is that?) Just because yoga pants and t-shirts make great pajamas, there is no reason they can’t make good “house clothes” during the day as well!
Melissa N says
You look adorable, pajamas or not. I love the button, what a clever idea!
Olivia says
I procrastinate making appointments too and I only have 1 (with another due in April)! It’s nice when you can make appointments online and avoid having to pick up the phone. 🙂
julie says
I love that shawl! It is really too bad I am not a knitter….WaaaaH! Those don’t look like PJ’s. I too share the phone phobia, and will wait until the last possible moment to make a call. Probably the only thing I am an introvert about. https://coastalconservatory.com/2015/08/06/how-an-introvert-makes-a-phone-call/ You will like this post- I promise. Congrats on the baby- you always look so lovely.
Julie
Jeanette says
I love the stripe of orange. It really makes a pop! And well..adorable baby bump. I don’t think anyone noticed your clothes. Too busy appreciating your shawl and sweet bump 🙂
Jillian J says
I love the button idea! If when you are no longer pregnant it does not fit right you could add another button to make it a little adjustable, or a loop of elastic with a button hole if it needed to go the other way in the meantime.
No one would have noticed they were pajamas if you hadn’t said!
Pom Pom says
Beautiful! The button is smart. I love orange but it makes me look pale. I shall use it for stripes instead. I’ve always hated piled up phone calls and “have to” errands. You look so cute, Ginny!
Natasha says
So excited to see the finished Shawl!! It’s beautiful and the button is stunning. 🙂 thank you for sharing with all of us!
Vickie says
I love it! I love the button too. I had never seen that pattern but like you am in need of a mindless project. Thank you for posting about your lovely finish!
Angela says
I say wear that lovely shawl now. No worries about stretching it out. Next fall you just reblock it and it will be the right size again. And, if not, follow the suggestion about and add another button. 🙂 never put of enjoying your hands knits.
Kelly says
The shawl is beautiful and I love the practicality of the button!
Caroline says
It turned out beautiful! I love the stripes.
Jenny says
The shawl is beautiful and you look wonderful in the pictures – and congratulations! I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t been reading any blogs for months and to read just now about your news I am delighted for you and hope I’m not too late in congratulating you 🙂 🙂 the shawl really does look lovely and I adore the idea of a button to make it stay on!
I also hate making phone calls and appointments, you are not alone! jenny xxx
Liz says
Hahaha! I didn’t see it was pajamas at all! Looks just like very comfy clothes. The shawl is beautiful! I love the orange touch!
MotherOwl says
That shawl is so much you. Don’t you listen to orange-haters (me too am one) because it is the nicest accent and saves it from being drab. Why not knit a shawl-elongator if you’re afraid of stretching it? I made such devices for overall buttonholes. It’s just a rectangular piece of the right size, having a button hole in one end (This goes with the button in the shawl) and a button in the other end to go through the button hole in the shawl.
You look sparklingly pregnant.
Best wishes from Denmark.
Brooke says
The colors are great. Phone time is so difficult here too. They aren’t pjs, I like to call them transition wear!
Helena says
I didn’t notice they were pajamas. 🙂 Honestly, they look like yoga pants and a maternity T-shirt, which was pretty much my favorite outfit when I was pregnant. You look great!
Renee Anne says
First of all, CUTE BABBEH BELLY!
Secondly, I wouldn’t have noticed the jams if you hadn’t pointed them out. Perhaps that says something about how I dress as a mom of two boys…but seriously, wouldn’t have noticed 🙂 I just noticed babbeh belly!
SarahR says
The shawl looks gorgeous, as does your ‘active wear’. If you wanted to wear it now and not worry about it being too big after the baby, you could just add another button to adjust the fit.
Debi says
I love the shawl and I think the stripes are just the right accent!
Ruby says
I’m 8 weeks postpartum and still wearing my pjs as clothes, lol. Oops! You really are such a cute pregnant lady. The shawl turned out wonderfully. Love that pop of orange! I have had a speaking-on-the-phone-phobia of sorts all my life, even when I was young, and I have no idea why. The advent of texting has been one of the greatest inventions ever in my life.
Katie says
I love the shawl!! and I’m with you on making phone calls, it’s NEVER quiet in my house and if I sneak off, they find me 🙂
Teresa says
Those don’t look like PJs, just comfy clothes. Love the look.
a little crafty nest says
Aw, Ginny, you look so cute with your baby bump! My gosh, after so many babies, I don’t think “cute” is what people would call me…in my pajamas no less! But you are and your shawl is so practical and pretty! I am finishing up a very similar shawl…the Danish Tie Wrap Shawl which also wraps around and ties in back. I love the idea of a shawl and two free hands!!!!! Hopefully I’ll be finished in a few weeks as it has been a slog lately! But that is shawl knitting, isn’t it…goes so fast at first, then takes an hour to knit a row.
Becky says
Ha! So good to know I am joined in my (silly!) phone anxiety…Why would I be anxious and procrastinate calling for doctors appointments?! No reason, really. But I feel better now that I know I am not alone. Also, the sparkle in your eye in the third photo is adorable! : )
Jenn B says
Would never have guessed you were in jammies without the mention. And that shawl is just lovely.
Emily D. says
The Tess is on my list of things to knit….when I get proficient enough to knit it! 🙂
Ginny says
It’s not hard! You could knit it!
Emily D. says
Oooh I see all I need to do is learn to increase. WIN!
Erin says
the shawl looks lovely and your pajamas look all-day worthy. thanks for sharing!